Posts by Hillcrest Staff
Drug Street Slang Your Teenager May Use
As a parent, staying informed about your teen’s world can be a challenge—especially when it comes to issues surrounding substance use. One of the biggest obstacles is the ever-changing language teens use to describe drugs and drug-related behaviors. “Street slang” is often designed to be covert, allowing teens to talk about risky behavior right under…
Read MoreCan A Summer Camp for “Troubled Teens” Help My Adolescent?
Today’s teenagers are facing unprecedented challenges. Recent studies show that a staggering 50 percent of high schoolers report feeling helpless, believing they “can’t do anything” to improve their situations. This statistic reflects the immense pressure and emotional strain many adolescents experience throughout the academic year. As a result, many parents are actively seeking positive summer…
Read MoreUnderstanding Summer Slide: Teen Learning Loss and Mental Health Risks
As the school year concludes, many teens anticipate a break from academic responsibilities. However, this period of unstructured time can lead to the “summer slide,” a phenomenon where students experience a decline in academic skills and, in some cases, mental health. At Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center, we recognize the importance of addressing both aspects to…
Read MoreUnderstanding Kleptomania In Teens
Teen years are filled with emotional ups and downs, shifting identities, and challenges that sometimes manifest in unexpected behaviors. One behavior that can confuse and concern parents is stealing—especially when it seems compulsive or without reason. If your teen is consistently taking things they don’t need or even want, it might be more than just…
Read MoreTeen Mood Swings or Depression? How to Tell
Being a teenager comes with its fair share of ups and downs. Between changing hormones, social pressures, academic stress, and the quest for independence, it’s no wonder teens can seem like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster. But when does “normal” teenage moodiness cross the line into something more serious like depression? For parents and caregivers,…
Read MoreTeen Sadness vs. Depression: Understanding the Difference
Teenagers often ride an emotional roller coaster—one moment they’re laughing with friends, and the next, they’re shutting themselves in their room. This emotional intensity is a normal part of adolescence, driven by hormonal changes, evolving identities, and social pressures. But how can parents or caregivers tell the difference between typical teen sadness and something more…
Read MoreUnderstanding Ayahuasca: A Guide for Parents and Teens
At Hillcrest Adolescent Center, we recognize the importance of providing families with accurate, science-based information about substances that may impact youth development. In recent years, ayahuasca has emerged from its traditional contexts into mainstream awareness, appearing in media, celebrity testimonials, and social platforms frequented by teens. This guide addresses what parents and teens should know…
Read MoreTrichotillomania in Teens
If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver noticing that a teen is frequently pulling out their hair—whether it’s from their scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes—you may be witnessing signs of a condition called trichotillomania. While it might seem like a bad habit or a form of stress relief, trichotillomania is a recognized mental health disorder that…
Read MoreIs It Normal For A Teenager to Have a Stuffed Animal?
In today’s world, where teens are navigating pressures from academics, peers, and the internet, it’s easy to forget that they’re still growing emotionally. One question that often surprises parents is: Is it normal for a teenager to still have a stuffed animal? The short answer is—yes, absolutely. While it might seem unusual to some, holding…
Read MoreODD vs DMDD: What’s The Difference
Children and adolescents often exhibit challenging behaviors as they grow and develop. However, when these behaviors become persistent and disruptive, they may signal underlying behavioral disorders. Two such conditions are Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD). While they share certain characteristics, understanding their distinctions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective…
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